Dr. Guo-Brennan is a Fulbright Scholar whose research centers on globally competent leadership and policy issues related to education and immigration. He has served in a multitude of leadership roles in government, non-profit and academic institutions across America for over 25 years. As a Professor of public administration and policy, his teaching and research has taken him to cities throughout the United States, Canada, Europe, and China.
Michael began his career as an educator in K-12 public schools in Illinois, Indiana, and Kentucky. From there, he transitioned into serving in non-profit organization where his leadership abilities were quickly recognized and he took on administrative responsibilities, leading and managing work teams and programs. Following completion of his academic studies towards his Ph.D., Dr. Guo-Brennan took on responsibilities as an executive in local government, serving as City Manager, in the Midwest and New England.
Much of his work in government included networking with state and national leaders to promote local government initiatives. He worked closely with Councils of Governments as well as the Maine State legislature, frequently providing testimony as well as assistance with legislation that impacted local communities.
Since 2014, Dr. Guo-Brennan has worked as an educator and research at universities in Canada and the United States as well as guest lecturing in China. Between January 2025 and July 2025, Michael served as a Visiting Professor at Tallinn University in Estonia as a part of his Fulbright Scholar award.
He has also continued to establish a strong research agenda. The overriding focus of his research centers around civic engagement and public policy issues including education policy, immigration, crisis management, and globally competent leadership and administration.
Dr. Guo-Brennan has a Bachelors’ Degree in Music History from Illinois State University, a Master of Public Administration degree from the University of Louisville and a Ph.D. in Urban and Public Affairs from the University of Louisville.